Your Handy Guide to Riding a Bike Like a Kid Again

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Your Handy Guide to Riding a Bike Like a Kid Again

Nik Mirus

You were practically attached to your bike as a kid. Get back in the saddle—and back to some fun—with these tips.

Keep It Casual

Pros wear body-hugging dance wear for the slight aero­dynamic advantage at race speeds. For you, no measurable benefit. Most of the casual clothing in your wardrobe will do—just dress for the weather. It’s how most of the world does it, and if you have to costume up to take a spin, you’ll look dorky and ride less often.

Find Your Sole

The most satisfying pedaling technology is a rubber-soled shoe on a flat, semigrippy pedal. Kids start out like that, but racer worship kicks in with age and steers them astray. Resist. Wear shoes you like and can walk in. Sandals and sneakers work great.

Don’t Break Your Heart

The bike industry and media glorify long, fast rides that, over 20 years or so, can lead to atrial fibrillation and increased risk of heart attacks. The “training zone,” where your heart rate is high but sustainable for a few hours, is also the “death zone.” It’s much healthier to keep a pace you could continue all day. Rely on burpees and weights for workouts instead.

Get a Bike-of-All-Trades

Your cycling enthusiast friends probably have a 16-pound road racer, a dual-suspension mountain beast, and maybe even an electric commuter. Bike culture gravitates to the extremes. But most situations are best handled by a boring bike with practical-width tires, fenders, racks for gear, and upright (not drop!) handlebars. You don’t walk leaning forward 45 degrees, so why pedal that way?

Ride Like You’re 11

Kids use bikes to get places and have fun. Adult bikes are marketed as fitness equipment because that’s how you market bikes to adults. Don’t let that be the boss of you. Ride for joy and transport—like you used to.

Use Your Head

Wear a helmet, but don’t count on it to save you. First, 9 ounces of Styrofoam and plastic may pass low-bar impact tests, but they’re no match for hard, fast smacks. And second, protective gear encourages you to take risks you might not take without it. Not a winning combination. Ride sensibly—your wits are your best guardian.

WIRED Recommended Gear

1. Odyssey Twisted PC

A broad double-sided pedal like this is all you need for pushing. | $14–18

2. Brooks Cambium C17

Your cheap foam seat is fine, but one of these comfy, versatile saddles made from rubber and cotton is better. | $160